8 Resolutions to Make If You’re Selling Your Home in 2021

2020 was a year where you might have put off your goal of selling your home.

Or, it might have been the year to convince you to sell your home — buyers came out in full force for a real estate market that’s still going strong. Whether you’re thinking of listing in the spring or have a longer timeline, these are the resolutions to make for a successful sale in 2021.

Take stock of your home’s condition 

Whether it’s a persistent creaky stair that you’ve tuned out over the years, an ivory area rug that was once white, the popcorn ceiling that screams “1990s” or the cracks in the foundation that you’re just not sure about, there is a whole range of little and big issues that contribute to the condition of your home. A fresh set of eyes can help open yours to the things you might not think are issues. Call upon a friend to join you on a walk-through room-by-room to note anything in need of a repair, a refresh, or a replacement. 

To get a more accurate idea of the condition of your home — especially if you've lived in your home for many years — ask your agent to do a pre-listing evaluation. A good agent can give you a run down of suggested upgrades and/or necessary repairs to make before your home goes on the market.

Check-in with your finances

Selling a home does come with associated costs. Your agent will get a commission once your home sells, but there are other expenses you’ll have to budget for, such as repairs and improvements. Then, there’s the other financial consideration: Buying your next home. Take some time to go through your balances and current expenses to create a budget for your sale, assess your emergency fund in case you need to opt for a rental if your home sells fast, and check on your credit score. 

Take on the “worth it” home improvements

Even if budget isn’t an issue, you don’t want to end up investing more in improvements than you’ll get when your home sells. That’s not to say that your focus should be solely on projects that normally deliver a good return on investment (like redoing the kitchen and bathroom). Instead, it’s finding the balance between inexpensive projects that bring out the best in your home (repainting rooms, replacing rugs, repairing glaring issues) and improvements that could potentially add value. 

14 Easy Home Updates

Address any pest issues — and prevent future ones

If you start to notice a few extra "roommates" around your house, it’s time to hire an exterminator. The pro should also give you an idea of possible places pests can come in — cracks, holes, and openings in the exterior or roof that you might not have noticed. These are the same spots where summer-season pests will come in, so make plans to patch those up before you notice a group of ants at your future open house.

Make plans for curb appeal

Making a resolution for making curb appeal improvements can help you get a head start when you're ready. Take photos of your home with your phone and consider the impression it makes. Does the trim need a new coat of paint? Are the gutters in good shape? Could the siding use a good power wash? Make a list, then make a tentative schedule for any professionals you’ll need to hire. 

Clear the clutter

Out with the old so you can get on with the new. January often inspires a big clean-up anyway, so plan on tackling a big decluttering project when you’re already in the right frame of mind. A sell-your-home declutter, however, is far deeper than culling clothes and toys. The fewer items in your home, the better (and bigger) your rooms will look to potential buyers. If you’re overwhelmed just thinking about it, considering hiring some help or binge Get Organized with The Home Edit on Netflix to help guide the decision-making process. 

Search for the right real estate agent

When it comes to selling your home, you want to work with a Realtor you can trust. However, the agent's experience also matters. Make your resolution to interview a few agents before committing to one. Be sure to ask if they predominantly work with buyers or sellers, their track record with sales in your local market, and their strategy for selling a home. 

We're here to help! If you're considering selling your home in 2021 it's time to start thinking about your Realtor. Take a look at our marketing plan and how we'll make your home stand out from the rest.

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Make your local bucket list

This is less about the process of selling your home and more about getting in the best frame of mind to start a new chapter in your life. If you’re planning on moving to another town, another state, or even another country, there are a lot of new things to look forward to, but also some things you'll leave behind. Make a list of all the things you’ve been meaning to do in your current area (or have become a favorite part of your routine), then actually do them. That way, when your home has sold, you’ll be able to happily move on without regrets (and with many happy memories).